Counseling & Addiction Studies

The Counseling program began in 1964 when the University of Detroit launched a Master's program in Pastoral Counseling. The Counseling program has since grown and responded to the changing needs in society, and today offers three Master's degrees in: Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling. In addition, the Counseling program offers post-graduate certification in School Counseling. The tradition begun long ago reflects UDM's rich history as one of the first counselor education programs in the state and among the first in the country.

The Department of Counseling and Addiction Studies prepares individuals interested in pursuing careers in the helping professions by offering the following programs:

A Bachelor's degree program is available in Addiction Studies whereas Master's degree programs are available in Counseling and non-degree endorsement/certification programs are available in School Counseling and Addiction Studies.

Introduction to Addiction Studies

Addiction Studies is designed to prepare Bachelor-level professionals to work in the addiction field, primarily in the treatment and/or prevention of substance use. The Bachelor's degree in Addiction Studies provides enhanced undergraduate experience to individuals interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, or Social Work, while providing the fundamental academic curriculum to prepare individuals to work in the substance abuse field. In addition to the undergraduate degree program that offers both a major and a minor in Addiction Studies, a Post-Graduate Certificate is also available for individuals who possess a Master's degree and are seeking advanced clinically-focused academic work in the treatment of addiction.

Introduction to the Counseling Profession

The counseling profession is designed to assist individuals in effectively managing the many challenges of living through self-exploration and increased self-awareness. The counseling profession is one that begins at the graduate level with many counseling students possessing undergraduate degrees in related social sciences (i.e., psychology, addiction studies, social work).

Rooted in counseling theory and evidence-based practices, professional counselors are trained in the development of a wide range of clinical competencies to effectively treat individuals with serious mental health and behavioral disorders, addiction, and developmental challenges. Students complete a robust academic curriculum that includes clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, enhanced training in consultation and program development, and specialized curriculum in the treatment of addiction and trauma. Academic coursework is complemented by a semester-long practicum in the University of Detroit Mercy Counseling Clinic, a large, no-cost teaching clinic that serves the public and a 600 hour clinical internship at a local counseling organization or institution. It is as a result of this rigorous training that graduates of the University of Detroit Mercy's Counseling program are equipped most effectively to work with individuals to effect positive change in every aspect of living.